offensive

1a military operation in which large numbers of soldiers, etc. attack another countrysynonymstrikean air offensiveThey launched the offensive on January 10.See related entries:Conflict

2a series of actions aimed at achieving something in a way that attracts a lot of attentionsynonymcampaignThe government has launched a new offensive against crime.a sales offensiveThe public seems unconvinced by their latest charm offensive(= their attempt to make people like them).

.Extra examplesIn 1941, Hitler launched an all-out offensive against the Soviet Union.She took the offensive, challenging her critics to prove their allegations.The government is launching an all-out offensive against the drug cartelsThe politician has launched a charm offensive in an attempt to clean up his image.a military offensive against the insurgentsHe flew 27 combat missions in the air offensive against Japan.The final offensive was launched in the spring.Idioms

to be attacking somebody/something rather than waiting for them to attack youThe Scots were on the offensive for most of the game.The government is very much on the offensive in the fight against drugs.